Mechanical Variable-Stroke Pump for Flow Rate Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing steam appliance pumps lack the ability to efficiently control flow rates without relying on complex electronic circuitry and voltage conversion, which increases production costs and reduces reliability.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical pump assembly featuring a synchronous motor with a cam-driven piston driver and an adjustable mechanism that varies the piston stroke, eliminating the need for electronic control by using a handle-actuated adjuster to change the piston's relationship with the driver, allowing for variable flow rates without electronic components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If DC powered pumps with electronic control are used to achieve variable flow rates, then flow rate control capability is improved, but device complexity and production costs increase due to voltage conversion circuitry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate control capabilityVSAvoidelectronic circuitry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electronic control systems with a purely mechanical variable stroke pump mechanism. The adjuster component mechanically modifies the piston stroke length by engaging different ledges on the driver, eliminating the need for DC motors, voltage conversion circuitry, and electronic control components while achieving variable flow rate control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The pump employs a mechanically adjustable stroke mechanism where the piston stroke length can be dynamically changed by the user through the adjuster component. This allows the pump to adapt to different flow rate requirements by mechanically reconfiguring the piston travel distance, providing versatility without electronic controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If DC powered pumps with electronic control are used to achieve variable flow rates, then flow rate control capability is improved, but reliability decreases due to additional electronic components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate control capabilityVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical adjuster mechanism is self-contained and requires no external power source or electronic control system. The user directly manipulates the adjuster to change stroke length, and the mechanical linkages automatically transmit this adjustment to the piston, creating a self-sufficient system with no electronic failure points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If AC synchronous motor with mechanical adjustment is used, then production costs are reduced by eliminating electronic circuitry, but device complexity increases due to cam and driver mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction costVSAvoidmechanical mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical control function is segmented into discrete, simple components: the driver with spaced ledges and the adjuster that engages these ledges. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard machining processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to integrated electronic control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a simplified mechanical replication of stroke control found in conventional pumps, but implements it through an adjustable mechanism rather than fixed geometry. The adjuster copies the essential function of variable stroke control from more complex systems while using basic mechanical elements that are inexpensive to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables reliable, cost-effective control of flow rates in steam appliances by using a simple, long-life motor and mechanical adjustments, reducing production costs and eliminating the need for electronic circuitry.

Implementation Method 1

The motor is preferably a synchronous, constant speed motor operable by a line voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSynchronous motor operation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a cam coupled to the output shaft for rotating the cam when the motor is energized, and a driver with spaced ledges engaging the cam and driven linearly by the rotating cam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 3

an adjuster is located between the driver and the piston and is configured to vary the stroke of the piston

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical adjustment: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP3022441B1Variable flow rate mechanical pump assembly

Publication Date: 2020.06.10 SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC

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Figure 5A

AI summary

A mechanical pump includes a motor with an output shaft, a cam coupled to the output shaft for rotating the cam when the motor is energized, and a driver with spaced ledges engaging the cam and driven linearly by the rotating cam. The piston is driven by the driver. A cylinder receives the piston therein and includes an inlet section for drawing fluid into the cylinder and an outlet section for pumping fluid out of the cylinder as the piston reciprocates in the cylinder.